A season out of the limelight could have long-term benefits for Jonjo Shelvey, who has rediscovered the form that earned him an England call-up last year.
Revived Newcastle United midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has told the Chronicle that his upturn in form under Rafa Benitez has him dreaming of a return to the national team.
The former Liverpool and Swansea playmaker has featured six times for England, winning the Man of the Match award in a 6-0 away win against San Marino in qualification for Euro 2016.
However, Shelvey slipped out of international contention following a fall out with Swans boss Garry Monk and a subsequent switch to the North East in January, barely featuring under Rafa Benitez as Newcastle suffered the ignominy of relegation.
Yet, the 24-year-old appears to have found his feet in the second tier, with a number of impressive performances at the base of the Magpies’ midfield coinciding with England caretaker boss Gareth Southgate making frequent sojourns to the North East.
“It is going to be harder to get back into the England team,” Shelvey admitted to the Chronicle.
“Obviously, playing in the Championship you never know whether they are looking at that league but the only thing you can do is go out on the pitch and perform week in, week out.”
Benitez (below) publically endorsed Shelvey’s international hopes after he netted two sublime goals in a 6-0 thrashing of QPR last month, and the former England under-19 captain has praised his manager for his support.
“Hopefully, your manager will put your name about in the Press. A lot of the game is to do with the media side of things now. I feel Rafa has done that already for me now fingers crossed.
“There have been big changes with England now so you just never know what they are thinking. Fingers cross I can hopefully get back into the mix and contribute.”
England have been traditionally averse to calling up players from the lower leagues in recent years, David Nugent and Jay Bothroyd (below) rare exceptions to the rule.
However, Shelvey’s metronomic passing range and ability to control the game from the centre of the midfield means he could prove a useful addition to an England side appearing to favour a more proactive, possession-based approach in recent years.
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